The openness of the Dutch, the sea air of Zeeland, poffertjes and making surprises: there is much that our international colleagues appreciate about the Netherlands. What is it like to work as an international colleague at HZ and live in the Netherlands? Sai Divi, lecturer Civil Engineering, shares her experiences.
Originally from India, Sai studied in England and Spain through the Erasmus programme. She was offered a PhD position at TU Eindhoven and moved to the Netherlands, a country she knew little about. When she attended the opening of the Joint Research Center Zeeland (JRCZ), she was immediately drawn to it and decided to join HZ. She enjoys making Sinterklaas surprises and frequently calls her mother in India for authentic Indian recipes. Meet friendly Sai, who has found a home in the Netherlands.
In India
"I was born in a village in the south of India. You can’t really compare it to a village here, as it’s actually quite large. I grew up there and chose to study for a Bachelor of Engineering. At 18, in 2015, I flew out of the country for the first time. Through the Erasmus+ programme, I had the opportunity to study abroad for my master’s degree. I chose to spend one year in England and after that I studied one year in Spain. During a selection programme for a PhD position, I connected well with a Dutch supervisor and was invited to TU Eindhoven. That’s how I ended up in the Netherlands—a new country for me, but one where I quickly felt at home.”
Impressed
Sai met her Zeeland-born partner in the Netherlands, and they now live together in Bergen op Zoom. “Travelling from there to Eindhoven started to wear me out. When I began exploring new job opportunities, I wasn’t actually familiar with HZ. Someone pointed me towards the JRCZ and University College Roosevelt. When I attended the opening of the JRCZ building in 2021, I was really impressed. That’s when I discovered its direct link to HZ. After another visit during an Open Day, I applied for a position and was hired by the Civil Engineering team.”
Openness
“One of the things I really appreciate about Dutch culture is the openness. At work, you have the freedom to share your opinions and ideas and take on new responsibilities. I first experienced this at TU Eindhoven. I suggested revamping an education module, and instead of being dismissed, I was encouraged to take charge of it myself. I loved that! At HZ, I feel that same freedom.” This is a stark contrast to her home country. “In India, that kind of approach is unthinkable. There, hierarchy plays a much bigger role, even in education. I wasn’t really able to voice my ideas; you have to hold yourself back.”
A good balance
“It took me some time to adjust at HZ. I was new to the team and had to find my place, just as my colleagues had to get to know me. After a few months, everything fell into place. And once you become part of the team, they fully support you.” She’s happy with her choice to work at HZ. “I now have a much better work-life balance. I always start my day very early, and in the evenings, I have plenty of time to relax at home.”
Enjoying growth
Sai enjoys interacting with students. “During my PhD, I discovered my passion for teaching. It suits me—I feel like it’s one of my natural talents. I love working on curriculum development and improving education. Watching students grow is truly rewarding.” She regularly visits companies where students are doing their final-year internships. “They have to arrange the visits themselves. I always smile and sit back to observe how they handle it.” She sees it as an exciting challenge to connect with students of all levels. “I want to cater to every learning pace, from the fastest students to those who need a little extra time.”
A too big surprise
One Dutch tradition Sai has come to love is Sinterklaas. “I really enjoy making surprises! We celebrate it with my partner’s family. I’ve already made a football boot and a giant game console. At my previous job, I once received an enormous guinea pig because I had one as a pet. It was so big that it wouldn’t fit through the doors of the train!”
Visiting home
“This summer, I want to visit India again to see my parents. We take turns—one year, they visit me here; the next, I go there,” Sai explains. “When they’re in the Netherlands, my partner’s parents take them on a tour of the province, visiting beautiful places like Veere.” She keeps in touch with her mother regularly. “I sometimes miss Indian food, so she shares her recipes with me. She often laughs about it—dishes I used to complain about as a child now bring me so much joy. After that, I feel like I can take on the world again.”
More than just work
Working at HZ is more than just work. It is a close team that is there for each other every day. Together with around 600 employees and 5000 students, we dedicate ourselves, through innovative education and research, to our mission of contributing to a better world.
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